Why is Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu Calling on India's Deep-Tech Innovators for Bharat Innovates 2026?
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Synopsis
Sridhar Vembu, a prominent figure in tech innovation, is rallying India's deep-tech talent to showcase their groundbreaking work at Bharat Innovates 2026 in France. This opportunity will spotlight the country's technological advancements and connect innovators with global stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- Deadline for applications: October 26.
- Event date: June 2026 in France.
- Target audience: Deep-tech innovators from India.
- Support offered: Strategic guidance and market access.
- Focus: Highlighting local innovations on a global platform.
New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) Sridhar Vembu, the Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho, encouraged deep-tech innovators from India's academic institutions and incubators to apply for the Bharat Innovates 2026 innovation showcase in France. The application deadline is October 26, as noted by Vembu in a post on the social media platform X.
In his message, he stated, "It is time to tell the world about all the deep tech work happening across India!"
He also shared an announcement regarding BharatInnovates, indicating that the event will spotlight and support local deep-tech innovations in June 2026.
BharatInnovates2026 aims to nurture and display home-grown deep-tech innovations in France, showcasing groundbreaking ventures that are being developed within India’s educational ecosystem.
The Ministry of Education has initiated Bharat Innovates 2026, which will serve as a global innovation showcase for India's leading deep-tech innovations at Technology Readiness Levels 3–9.
This international event will present the top 100 selected innovations to industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and collaborators.
It is designed to represent India's R&D-driven technology innovation capabilities nurtured at higher education institutions and centrally funded technical institutes.
Selected deep-tech ventures will receive strategic support to fine-tune their value proposition, access global markets, forge partnerships, and secure funding.
Eligible applicants must be student-faculty teams from MOE-linked higher education institutions or CFTI research labs, teams incubated at MOE-associated technology innovation or incubation centers, or ventures formally affiliated with these institutions.
If the innovation has evolved into a venture, it must be legally registered in India, with Indian founders owning over 51 percent equity.
In September, Sridhar Vembu announced that Zoho Corporation would make its homegrown messaging app Arattai interoperable like UPI and email, as the platform experiences an unprecedented rise in downloads.
Point of View
I see this initiative as a significant step towards acknowledging and promoting India's deep-tech innovations. It reflects our nation's commitment to fostering creativity and technological excellence, crucial for global competitiveness. We must support these endeavors that align with our national vision.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bharat Innovates 2026?
Bharat Innovates 2026 is a global innovation showcase organized by the Ministry of Education to highlight India's top deep-tech innovations.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include student-faculty teams from MOE-linked institutions, CFTI research labs, and incubated ventures at MOE-associated centers.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit applications for Bharat Innovates 2026 is October 26.
Where will the event take place?
The Bharat Innovates 2026 showcase will be held in France in June 2026.
What support will selected innovations receive?
Selected deep-tech ventures will receive strategic support to refine their value proposition, access global markets, and secure investments.
